Victoria Falls: Day Tour Both Sides with Hotel Pickup

Summary

Cross the border for two views of Victoria Falls with local stories and market stops

You’ll walk both sides of Victoria Falls with a local guide who knows every path and story, feel river spray on your skin (raincoat included), and cross between Zimbabwe and Zambia in one day. Expect small surprises too: local markets, laughter over language slip-ups, and moments where the world feels huge and close all at once.

What’s the experience like?

We started early, which I didn’t mind because it meant fewer crowds. The van picked us up right at the hotel — still a little groggy, but you wake up fast when you hear that low, distant thunder from Victoria Falls. Our guide, Tendai, was already cracking jokes about how we’d get soaked even with the raincoats (he wasn’t wrong). He explained how locals call it Mosi-oa-Tunya — “the smoke that thunders.” I tried saying it out loud and got a laugh from him. The air smelled green, if that makes sense — like wet leaves and river stones.

First up was the Zimbabwe side. There’s this path where you can feel the mist on your face before you even see the water. It’s loud but kind of hypnotic. Tendai pointed out where Livingstone supposedly stood — honestly, I couldn’t hear half his story over the roar, but he just grinned and kept going. Crossing into Zambia felt weirdly casual; one minute you’re in one country, next minute another. The Zambian side gives you a different angle — more raw somehow, less polished paths. I remember standing there watching rainbows flicker in the spray while a group of kids ran past shouting to each other in Bemba. My shoes were totally soaked by then.

Afterwards, we stopped by this little market near the border crossing. I’m not really a souvenir person but ended up haggling for a carved hippo anyway (still not sure why). There was this old man selling wooden masks who told me he’d been coming here since before independence — his hands were stained dark from years of work. The sun came out just as we left, lighting up everything so bright it almost hurt my eyes. I still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided tour of Victoria Falls both sides

• Hotel pickup at 8:30am
• Tour Zimbabwean side of falls
• Tour Zambian side of falls
• Visit local market for souvenirs
• Hotel drop off

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Victoria Falls tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Do I need to bring my own raincoat for Victoria Falls?

No, raincoats are provided as part of the tour.

Does this day trip visit both Zimbabwean and Zambian sides?

Yes, you'll see Victoria Falls from both Zimbabwe and Zambia in one day.

Are food and drinks included on this guided tour?

No, food and beverages are at your own expense during the trip.

Is there time to visit a local market during the tour?

Yes, there is a stop at a local market near the border crossing.

What time does the Victoria Falls day trip start?

The tour starts around 8:30am with hotel pickup.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Will there be a live guide throughout the experience?

Yes, professional live guides accompany you on both sides of Victoria Falls.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from either side of the border, guided walks along both Zimbabwean and Zambian viewpoints of Victoria Falls with plenty of stories along the way, use of raincoats to keep you mostly dry (but not your shoes), bottled water for when you need it most, plus time to browse or bargain at a local market before heading back in the afternoon.